INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT AS A SOLUTION
EcoStep-Wein was developed specifically for and with small and medium-sized wineries and sparkling wine houses together with Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences back in 2005, with the aim of optimizing operational structures and improving competitiveness.
EcoStep-Wein is now used by around 50 wineries and sparkling wine houses. 16 wineries have joined forces to form the "EcoStep-Wein working group" and are continuously working to further develop the system.
EcoStep-Wein is an integrated management system that takes into account the core requirements of the quality management system (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), occupational health and safety (ISO 45001) and food safety (ISO 22000). The regular maintenance of the basic EcoStep system is carried out by the system provider - the EcoStep coordination office at RKW Bremen GmbH.
All important legal regulations are recorded in this integrated system and their proper application is proven. The focus is on the respective operation and the specific requirements of the customers.
EcoStep-Wine guarantees the continuous improvement process (CIP). The current legal framework is taken into account. To this end, all processes and documents are regularly subjected to critical evaluation and discussed and continuously optimized in the circle of participating winemakers.
EcoStep-Wein is a sustainable management system, as it incorporates economic, ecological and social criteria in an integrated approach and establishes them in a permanent system.
EcoStep-Wein was developed in cooperation with the Environmental Alliance of Hesse, the Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences together with companies and further developed to the point of certifiability within the framework of an EU-LIFE project (2004 - 2007).
Attention. Certification promotion starts
The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economics has launched a new funding framework
for more sustainability in viticulture. According to this, small and micro-enterprises can receive up to 3,000 euros if they undergo certification for operational sustainability.